Adapted by John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion from Dunne's novel, True Confessions uses the still-unsolved "Black Dahlia" murder as the foundation for a devastating attack on big-city corruption -- in which it appears that… MoreAdapted by John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion from Dunne's novel, True Confessions uses the still-unsolved "Black Dahlia" murder as the foundation for a devastating attack on big-city corruption -- in which it appears that many of the perpetrators wear clerical collars. In, 1948 Los Angeles detective Tom Spellacy (Robert Duvall) is assigned to investigate the death of a priest, who apparently suffered a heart attack while being serviced by a prostitute. Meanwhile, Tom's brother, young Catholic monsignor Des Spellacy (Robert De Niro), is reluctantly currying favor with crooked contractor Jack Amsterdam (Charles Durning), the better to finance an expansion of Des' church. The unifying factor between Tom and Des, beyond their sibling relationship, turns out to be the grisly murder of a hooker. The key words in the labyrinthine proceedings are power, ambition, and hypocrisy. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

With all the talent in front of the camera there is no way this should be as inert as it is. Visually impressive drama is not terrible but lumbers along to an… MoreWith all the talent in front of the camera there is no way this should be as inert as it is. Visually impressive drama is not terrible but lumbers along to an indifferent conclusion. Watch L.A. Confidental, which presents a simiilar story in a superior manner, instead.

Stephen Earnest

"True Confessions" is one of the slowest films I've seen. And not only is it slow, but it has virtually no climax or plot and the ending just… More"True Confessions" is one of the slowest films I've seen. And not only is it slow, but it has virtually no climax or plot and the ending just sort of happens. That being said, Robert De Niro and Robert Duvall give some good performances (the latter doing a better job) and there are some scenes that are particularly interesting, not to mention that the production design is impeccable.

Film Crazy

its a watchable film

Lady D'arbanville

Robert De Niro is just as convincing as a priest as he is a gangster or a madman. Thought this was a great character played by Robert Duvell. Enjoyed the… MoreRobert De Niro is just as convincing as a priest as he is a gangster or a madman. Thought this was a great character played by Robert Duvell. Enjoyed the story, although it was a little drawn out.
<br/>
<br/>VERDICT: Watch it on tv, don't rush out and rent

Are you sure?

Deleting a title from your collection is like throwing away a DVD.

You will no longer be able to watch this title on Flixster or any other UltraViolet service.